Bionic Runner combines cycling and jogging for «injury-free» running

The movements power a cog and chain mechanism, which turns the back wheel and drives the equipment forward – much like pedalling a bicycle. The Bionic Runner has smashed its AU$40,000 (£21,000) funding goal on crowdsourcing platform Kickstarter, raising over AU$164,000 (£86,000) with 18 days of the campaign still remaining. To keep the rider stable, fixed handlebars are raised to a comfortable height for holding in a standing position. «We discovered that running was a four stage process of leap, recovery, impact and drive,» said Henry Thomas, Run4’s other co-founder. «The existing cross trainers were all elliptical in nature or step machines. «Four years ago, our vision for an injury-free running community led us to design and develop the Bionic Runner – the world’s only high intensity, non-impact, running-specific trainer,» said Run4 co-founder Steve Cranitch. Brake levers are added to the handlebars to slow and stop the trainer when necessary. Feet are placed on plates that the user pushes forward with their legs. Related story: «Chinese Google» Baidu designs a smart bike fitted with data-generating sensorsIt works like an elliptical trainer on two wheels, but the pedalling motion has been adapted to better emulate the movement of legs while running on the ground. Australian company Run4 has launched a piece of fitness equipment designed to prevent running injuries that works like a   bicycle and cross-trainer hybrid (+ slideshow). «Every bit as tough as running, yet without the risk of injury, we believe the Bionic Runner will change the way athletes and amateur runners think about their training.»
Run4 researched runner’s movements so they could   design the bike’s kinetic parts to imitate running   motions and engage the same muscles.